How Much Do You Pay Someone For Classes?
Decorating By DesignerCakes Updated 26 Jan 2007 , 5:05pm by 7yyrt
I just met someone who has recently retired from baking after almost 15 years. She is in her late 60's. Now she only bakes for family and friends. She told me she is happy to teach me her craft and is glad to pass it along to someone who is as excited as I am to learn.
I pretty much know all the basics, but I want to move to the next level - more elaborate decorating, pro tips/ techniques, gum paste flowers, etc. I told her I'd been baking cake for 25 years and she said she might not be of much use to me, but I think she is definitely wrong there. I figure I could learn a great deal from her, no matter how simple her work may be. I think she's being modest since the bakery she worked at is THE most popular in town. She also said that she knows someone who knows even more than her in terms of decorating and she could put me in touch with that other person if I wanted to.
Here's my big dilemma. What do I pay her? I asked her how much she would charge me, and she said she could not charge a fee since was not a licensed instructor, had no 'formal' training or degree, so I could just give her whatever I wanted - or nothing at all if I couldn't afford it.
Affordability is not really the issue. I honestly don't know what to pay her. She is a widow in her late 60's. I don't want to offend her, but I also don't want to break the bank and have to stop going because my hobby is costing me too much. I am so excited about meeting with her tomorrow that I can't contain myself!
Any suggestions? By the way, this is my very first post! And heaven knows I've spent entire days and evenings reading as much as I can on here.
Ginger
Well Welcome to CC! I dont really know what to tell you about the money part. But even though she said not to payher I would leave her something with every session she gives you. If she wont take it the first time you offer it to her I would just leave it in a place she will find iin later. I couldn't take a decorating lesson for nothing. I understand she is not licensed but she is giving her time to you and even though money cant give you time and can give her a little something extra she needs. I hope someone else can help in this, and good luck enjoy it!
I paid $75 for 6 private lessons. Don't know if thats great or a rip-off, but thats what I paid. 
She stayed 2 - 2.5 hours each time.
These are all great suggestions. I guess I will have to get a sense for person and her preference after we meet today.
Thanks so much.
Well, the wilton courses would cost you $75 for the 3 courses. If she doesn't want to take any money, you could explain it that way...
If it were me, I would appreciate you paying for or furnishing some or all of the materials - I'd be glad to pass the knowledge on, but neither of us would want to take on more than we could afford...
Hope this helps a little.
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